Should we do a first look on our wedding day?

The first look is a newer trend that I really really recommend. Instead of waiting until you are down the aisle, the couple will have a private first look moment during the day, take all their photos, and then go their separate ways before the ceremony. 

Why do I recommend a first look before a ceremony? Here are my top three reasons:

1.Photos are done first

The biggest pro for having a first look is that you get a lot of the photos done earlier in the day. For instance, if the ceremony is at 4:00 pm, you could have a first look at 1:00 and have 2+ hours of photos done before the wedding even happens. Usually after the ceremony the couple and bridal party are ready to kick back and enjoy the party with their guests, and having to drag them through 2 hours of photos after the biggest moment of their lives can be a bit of a bummer, depending on the couple. If they are already done, they get to go straight into cocktail hour and just be with the people they love. Doing a first look also allows for the photos to be taken in the most time effective manner possible, using everyone's time very wisely. 

2. You get a private moment

2Another reason why I recommend first looks is because the couple now gets two emotional reveal moments: one private and one public. The biggest reason people don’t do first looks is they are traditional and don’t want to see each other at all before the ceremony, thinking it will take away from the “walking down the aisle” reveal. I reassure my couples that instead of detracting from that experience, the first look adds to it. The first look is usually private and it gives you a moment to take a deep breath and talk and soak in your wedding day. Walking down the aisle is in front of other people, and can still be a really big moment because that is the moment you are walking up and getting married.

3. It settles nerves

I also like the first look because it calms down any nerves either partner might be having. On my wedding day, I wasn’t nervous to get married, but I did have a lot of nerves about the day and family dynamics at play. Once I saw my husband, I felt this huge sigh of relief and was able to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. 

I set up the first look by taking the groom (or one of the partners in a same sex relationship) and find a picturesque location for the first look. I turn them away from where the bride will come out and have them stay there with their eyes closed. I bring out the bride and set her up so she looks really nice. Once everyone is ready, I have the groom turn around and just let them have a moment. My second and I photograph from afar and give you the space you need in that moment. Usually it is an emotional moment and I try to give the couple at least 5 minutes of privacy to talk and just spend time together. 

After you have completed the first look and are ready for photos, I will then focus on photos of the couple. Those are my top three reasons for having a first look! Are you having a first look on your wedding day?